Step into the sultry, suspense-filled world of the Edisto Island Mystery series, where the tranquil shores of South Carolina’s Lowcountry hide dark secrets and gripping murders. Penned by C. Hope Clark, this cozy mystery series follows Callie Jean Morgan, a former Boston detective seeking solace on Edisto Beach, only to find herself unraveling small-town conspiracies. With Southern charm, complex characters, and a setting that feels like a character itself, these books are perfect for fans of coastal whodunits.
Imagine a place where loggerhead turtles roam freely, franchises are banned, and the salty breeze carries whispers of the past. That’s Edisto Island, and it’s where Callie’s journey of redemption and resilience unfolds, pulling readers into a world of intrigue with every page.
How Edisto Island Mystery Began
C. Hope Clark, a South Carolina native with a knack for Southern storytelling, launched the Edisto Island Mystery series in 2014 with Murder on Edisto. After success with her Carolina Slade Mystery series, Clark’s publisher urged her to create a new series with a female law enforcement lead, Southern family drama, and a vivid South Carolina setting. Clark chose Edisto Beach, a place she cherishes for its unspoiled beauty and serene allure. Drawing on her federal investigative background and love for the Lowcountry, she crafted Callie Morgan, a flawed yet fierce protagonist whose personal struggles mirror the island’s hidden tensions.
The Heart of Edisto Island Mystery
The series kicks off with Murder on Edisto, where Callie, reeling from her husband’s murder, returns to her family’s Edisto cottage. Her plans for peace are shattered when her mentor is found dead, pulling her into a web of local secrets. In Edisto Jinx, the second book, a mysterious death at a beach party sparks rumors of a curse, challenging Callie’s detective instincts. Echoes of Edisto, the third installment, sees Callie as police chief, investigating a rookie officer’s suspicious drowning. Reunion on Edisto, a later entry, weaves a high school reunion with a cold case murder, keeping readers guessing.
Clark’s series blends cozy mystery with Southern gothic vibes, exploring themes of grief, redemption, and community. Callie’s flaws—her battle with alcohol, her guilt over past failures—make her relatable, while the lush Edisto setting, with its marshes and tidal creeks, amplifies the suspense. The island’s quirky residents, from psychics to salty locals, add humor and depth, creating a rich tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive.
Why Edisto Island Mystery Resonates
The Edisto Island Mystery series has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans, earning praise for its authentic Southern voice and page-turning plots. Readers love Clark’s ability to make Edisto a living, breathing character, with its tides and traditions shaping every twist. The series has won accolades like the Epic Award and Silver Falchion Award, and locals on Edisto embrace it, with the bookstore hosting signings that draw tourists and residents alike. Its blend of heart, suspense, and coastal charm keeps fans coming back for more.
- About Edisto Island Mystery
- Launched: 2014 with Murder on Edisto
- Books: 11 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Epic Award, Silver Falchion Award
- Setting: Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Ready to lose yourself in a Lowcountry mystery? Grab Murder on Edisto and dive into C. Hope Clark’s captivating world of secrets, sand, and suspense!